Hi Everyone, I am new to the chat, but wow...I have learned so much from your posts! I just bought a used (thanks to 90,000 in student loans) 2005 Tideland Pearl with about 40,000 miles on it and I believe it is Pack #4 (smartkey,fogs,side curtain, reg 1 disc cd). I have already purchased a Vais IPod integ, then returned it and bought a DICE ), a shark fin antennae that is on it's way, mudflaps, and some touch up paint. My question for the fellow posters is, what else do you guys recommend? I am getting about 52 mpg avg and LOVE this car, but what am I missing? Try to keep me somewhat grounded if possible (recall 90,000 in student loans!) but I would like to stand out a bit. The scan gauge and can-view are lightyears ahead of my car comprehension, so take it easy on the high hi-tech stuff....I just want an idea of any other must haves?!? Thanks again for all of the insight I have taken from the sight thus far. Your time and help is certainly appreciated here. I am a little worried about the winter temps and lake effect snow in South Bend, IN (Go IRISH!) so I will need advice when winter hits, too. Thanks again! Sincerely, Jen in IN
Welcome to PriusChat, Jen, and congratulations on your new-to-you car and getting $90K educated! If you have a place you can plug it in, I'd suggest an Engine Block Heater. Not showy, but it will really improve your fuel efficiency in the winter by getting the engine warm first. You'll want some inexpensive foam pipe insulation to stuff into the grill in winter too. Do you have good tires? Lake effect snow may want good winter tires. About the only other thing I'd recommend is a good Zaino polish (do a search on Zaino here). Do it now, and a few more times this summer, and your car will look great all winter too.
A bumper guard for the rear bumper. A hood deflector for the front. An MFD hood from Priushoods on eBay. If you don't have any cargo nets, I'd suggest a horizontal, vertical or both. Do you have a tonneau cover for the cargo area? Exactmats. Wheelskins. Dashmat.
ha, don't bother buying stuff! just treat her well ^_^ make sure to change the oil regularly, etc etc. if u want to splurge, give her a wash. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(davedog @ Jul 13 2007, 12:01 AM) [snapback]477984[/snapback]</div> i lied, wheelskins are very nice! but if used, mats for the floor, etc might not be so useful. just a used/dirty car she'll be? unless u like that stuff. but yeah, the wheel skin is super! so are the floor mats and seat covers if u care. that's all i added.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(davedog @ Jul 13 2007, 02:03 AM) [snapback]477984[/snapback]</div> Hmmm...wheelskins? I have NO idea what those are? Help? Thanks for all of the suggestions, I will definitely be getting the engine block heater and insulation for our nasty winters (already have the snowtires in storage!). Some of the other suggestions sound good, too! Thanks and keep the suggestions coming, they are appreciated.
Prius decals... you can get them at the PriusChat Accessories store, and they are very inexpensive, but they make the Prius look SPORTY!!
If the body's still in good shape, consider body side mouldings. Don't be intimidated by the ScanGauge. It's a great add-on for more instrumentation, and with a little searching and study here you'll learn how to make good use of it. I don't have much of a technical background, but if I can figure it out, I'm sure you can.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JenVanVooren @ Jul 13 2007, 04:22 PM) [snapback]478349[/snapback]</div> Leather cover for steering wheel.
To amplify what Godiva said, Wheelskins are available from the PriusChat Accessory Shop and look like this: <div align="center"></div> <div align="left">They come in several colors.</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JenVanVooren @ Jul 12 2007, 09:36 PM) [snapback]477850[/snapback]</div> Jen, When you get to 60,000 miles have the Transmission fluid replaced. A dealer should do this for under $100. The maintenance guide doesn't suggest this except in "severe" use, but lab testing of the type WS ATF has shown it to be a good idea. JeffD
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JenVanVooren @ Jul 12 2007, 09:36 PM) [snapback]477850[/snapback]</div> I'd think an engine block heater might be very good to have in Indiana. I've got a wheelskin, mud flaps, block heater, and scanguage. I actually use the scanguage more in my other cars to get an MPG reading, but it's not that hard to use.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Beryl Octet @ Jul 14 2007, 08:05 AM) [snapback]478587[/snapback]</div> I was looking at the Scangauge, really more for my husband so that he can have a little more consciousness of MPG with his driving (I am trying desperately to get him in a Hybrid, but he loves his Subaru WRX)! Thanks for the pic of the wheelskin, I am adding one to list of accessories that I would like to buy, but don't NEED just yet . I just found a center console leather cover in Bisque on EBay for 34.99 plus ship, has anyone ever reviewed on of those? I can give you more details once I get it in and everything. So far, the only thing that I really have a problem with is the material that Toyota uses for the cover of the console and the interior doors. It looks so cheap! REALLY makes me wish Touring editions were available in 2005. Other that that, my car was extremely well kept and the dealership detailed it before I picked it up, so I think I lucked out. We are looking into an engine block heater, do you guys have any rec on which kind to buy? I know we will need to insulate it as well, but I am leaving that up to the hubby. I am a little concerned with the cars handling in the winter. I will miss the remote start that was on my olc car! I know it was an MPG killer, but without a garage in college, it was fabulous! If anyone has any insight as to the Prius' handling in snow/ice, I would love to hear from you. I do already own a great set of snow tires, so that should help a bit. Thanks again to all! Hope you are having a great weekend...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JenVanVooren @ Jul 15 2007, 08:30 AM) [snapback]479052[/snapback]</div> The engine block heater can be purchased from Metro Toyota in Cleveland. Installation takes about 30 minutes max on a 2005. If you would like it installed I'll be happy to do it for you. It does make a difference in MPG summer or winter, besides the nice instant heat in the winter. Wayne
